Finding a place to live is one of the biggest challenges and decisions an adult with a disability and their loved ones will make. Learn more about housing and living options.
Independent Living Options
Housing Options
Affordable Housing
Independent Living Options
Independent Living is both a cultural movement and a program. It is a way of looking at disability that puts the individual first and the disability second. An Independent Living Center serves people with any kind of disability in a local community who can benefit from services and support. Independent Living Centers may offer services including:
- Information and Referral
- Advocacy
- Independent Living Skills
- Peer Counseling
- Transition and Diversion
- Personal Assistance Services
- Housing
- Assistive Technology
Independent Living Centers are designed and operated by a majority of people with disabilities. If a person with a disability wants to live more independently, they may be able to benefit from Independent Living Services.
Find the CA Independent Living Center near you!
The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers increases access and opportunities for people with disabilities by supporting the Independent Living Centers with accessibility tools, resources, and programs to advance independence for people with disabilities.
Housing Options
Finding housing and living options are some of the biggest challenges and one of the biggest decisions an adult with a disability and their loved ones will make.
Regional Center clients may have more ideas for securing housing and living options; please see Regional Center Client Services.
Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing Coalitions and Agencies
Leaving no stone unturned, families exploring housing options may want to consider informing themselves about recent information from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, including Accessory Dwelling Units and A Home for Every Californian: 2022 Statewide Housing Plan (including the over 7 million CA residents with disabilities, many of who face extreme challenges finding housing that is affordable, accessible, and located near transit and supportive services.)
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Disability Overview offers information on The Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing and other related activities based on disability.
HUD uses federal discrimination laws to define a person with a disability to “include any (1) individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) individual with a record of such impairment; or (3) individual who is regarded as having such an impairment.” Find your local California HUD office.
Low-income people with disabilities may apply for Section 8 housing, through their local Public Housing Authority, (California specific). People with disabilities may be eligible for housing choice vouchers available to financially assist individuals with disabilities with their housing needs.
Please see Housing Choice Vouchers Fact Sheet.
And to see what some innovators in the housing sector are doing, check out The Kelsey, an organization which creates partnerships to advance affordable, disability-inclusive housing.